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Fairfax Limited announced headcount reductions this week - cutting some 550 roles across its stable of newspapers. Yet the way the news was announced showed contempt for the profession of journalism. ABC Radio National’s “The Media Report” provided great insights - click here to listen.

Central to the ABC report is the way staff cuts were announced - instead of dealing with reporters, CEO David Kirk of Fairfax Media issued an email to all staff. He then hosted a conference call - with financial analysts.  Journalists were allowed to listen in but were not allowed to ask questions.

This approach to media relations is hypocritical - if any other company handled restructuring the same way Fairfax publications would lambast the approach. Stonewalling journalists never works, even if you’re preparing to fire them first.

Learn more about the opposition view - visit Fair Go, Fairfax.